Radical Optimism

Radical Optimism

Radical Optimism is a podcast hosted by husband + wife duo Taylor and Rachel Barkley. They live and work in Washington, DC, are and share their radically optimistic view on politics, culture, and how Christians might think about this crazy world.

  1. Stinkers, Thinkers, Tinkers of 2024: Episode 55

    15/01/2025

    Stinkers, Thinkers, Tinkers of 2024: Episode 55

    We are back(ish)! After prompting from a couple folks, we thought we'd ease back into things by reviewing our top picks (thinkers) and worst picks (stinkers) from 2024. We added a new category at the end, tinkers, after prompting from a fan! On this episode we keep things casual.

    31 min
  2. Are the Kids Alright? Three Book Reviews: Episode 54

    18/04/2024

    Are the Kids Alright? Three Book Reviews: Episode 54

    Three recent popular books on the state of kids and families came out recently: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, Family Unfriendly by Tim Carney, and Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier. They each grapple with the same societal problems of record rates of anxiety, depression, medication, treen suicide, and loneliness. They also discuss the decline of the “play-based childhood” since the 1980s. Each give slightly different prescriptions aimed at less anxiety for parents and more resiliency for children. Join us for a discussion of how these authors approach the issues and how Christians might think about it all.

    30 min
  3. What’s Happening in the World and What is America’s Response?: Episode 53

    16/02/2024

    What’s Happening in the World and What is America’s Response?: Episode 53

    It’s hard to watch the news and the conflicts around the globe lately. It begs the question of where we are in history and what America’s place in the world should be. This week the Senate debated and passed a foreign aid package to Ukraine, Taiwan, Gaza, and Israel. We give a very non-expert look into what’s happening and why we can still be optimistic for freedom’s future.

    44 min
  4. A Very Barkley Christmas!: Episode 52

    20/12/2023

    A Very Barkley Christmas!: Episode 52

    It’s been over two months since out last episode! We had a deeper topic in mind but pivoted to something lighter: checking in our theme of the last year (and near future), “enjoy,” and discussing some of the spiritual and family Christmas practices and traditions in our family. We talk Advent, Santa, and, of course, our Stinkers and Thinkers too. Check out the books and resources Rachel recommends: She Reads Truth Advent devotionals Jesse Tree Ornaments Sacred Seasons by Danielle Hitchens

    36 min
  5. Disentangling the Speaker Debacle: Episode 51

    06/10/2023

    Disentangling the Speaker Debacle: Episode 51

    The Barkleys parse out what happened this week when Speaker Kevin McCarthy got ousted by a faction of Republicans. We break down what happened, who did what, why it is structured like it is, and what happens next on this wild Congressional ride. Thanks to Danny for the question that inspired this episode!

    24 min
  6. Are Men Facing a Crisis?: Episode 50

    22/09/2023

    Are Men Facing a Crisis?: Episode 50

    The societal trends for men are troubling. Men are graduating college with degrees at much lower rates than women. Prime-age working men are… not working. The number of black men in prison is particularly alarming, and 3 out of 4 deaths of despair are men. It’s hard to deny that something isn’t right. Taylor and Rachel discuss what’s happening with men and what the Bible has to say about masculinity.

    34 min
  7. Do We Believe in the American Future?: Episode 49

    25/07/2023

    Do We Believe in the American Future?: Episode 49

    Is this generation better off than our parents were in 1985? That is the debate in Washington, and it reflects a greater malaise felt by Americans. Rachel and Taylor discuss the Cost of Thriving Index debate between think tankers Oren Kass and Scott Winship, as well as the broader beginnings of the presidential debate. We finish up with how we should think about our politics on these issues in a new way, instead.

    32 min
  8. 4 Years After the Paralysis: Rachel Interviews Taylor: Episode 48

    23/06/2023

    4 Years After the Paralysis: Rachel Interviews Taylor: Episode 48

    The month of June is when we remember our biggest milestones— 7 years ago we got married and 4 years ago Rachel was diagnosed with the tumor, paralyzed, and received lifesaving surgery. Usually, Rachel is speaking to this experience, but we flipped the script and Rachel interviewed Taylor about what it has been like to be a spouse on this journey. Rachel asks what the diagnosis was like for him, how he processed disability and some caregiving, and what impact it all had on his faith journey.

    41 min
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About

Radical Optimism is a podcast hosted by husband + wife duo Taylor and Rachel Barkley. They live and work in Washington, DC, are and share their radically optimistic view on politics, culture, and how Christians might think about this crazy world.

Information

  • Creator
    Radical Optimism
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Radical Optimism